top of page

Don’t Assume They Know the Skill

The importance of teaching children skills step-by-step, as they aren’t born knowing tasks like brushing teeth or tying shoes. It emphasizes patience, adapting methods to the child’s needs, and creating opportunities for success. The key message: don’t assume—guide and support learning with care.

 

Short Little Reminder

 

It’s easy for adults to forget that many skills—even seemingly simple ones—need to be learned. Brushing teeth, washing hands, tying shoes: every task we perform effortlessly today was once taught to us. As parents and teachers, it’s important to approach skill-building with patience and understanding.

Some children may grasp these concepts quickly, while others may need more time, guidance, and support.


🤓What Does This Mean?
We sometimes unintentionally assume that children should know how to do certain things because they seem simple to us. We might say, "Why can’t you do this faster?" or "I can’t believe you don’t know how to do that yet!" However, children learn at their own pace, and some may require more time, guidance, and support than others.


🧠Learning Happens Differently for Every Child

Some children are visual learners, while others are auditory or kinesthetic. Some may learn by observing, while others require more direct instruction and guidance, such as step-by-step instructions or visual aids. Children develop skills at their own pace, and the way they learn can vary widely:

  • Observation: Watching parents, teachers, peers, or siblings perform tasks.

  • Step-by-Step Guidance: Some children need detailed instructions or visual aids, like a checklist for brushing teeth.

  • Modeling and Prompting: Others require physical or verbal prompts to guide them through the process.

  • Example:
    *One child may instinctively pick up on brushing their teeth by watching a parent.
    *Another child may need a visual task list and physical guidance to understand each step.


🧸We Were All Children Once

Every small task—tying shoes, washing hands, or organizing belongings—was taught to us, often with repetition, patience, and encouragement.


Key Point: Children aren’t born knowing how to do things. They come into the world knowing nothing and gradually learn to communicate, observe, and engage. Skills that seem obvious to adults might be completely new to them.

💪How Can You Help?

  • Be Patient: Avoid frustration when a child doesn’t immediately understand how to do something.

  • Break It Down: Use small, manageable steps to teach a skill.

  • Model the Behavior: Show them how it’s done, and encourage them to try alongside you.

  • Provide Support: Use physical or verbal prompts to build confidence and understanding.

  • Reinforce Effort: Celebrate progress, even if it’s just a small step forward.

The most important reminder is this: Don’t assume. Every skill, no matter how simple it seems to us, must be taught and practiced.

By remembering this, you create a more supportive and encouraging environment where children feel empowered to learn and grow. With patience and guidance, you help them build confidence, independence, and the foundation for lifelong learning.

image.png

Where the Magic of Education Becomes a Reality for Everyone

© 2023 by ABA-kazam

bottom of page